1. Premier Plus Is a 1 46-plant synthetic variety resulting from phenotypic recurrent selection for high forage quality (high crude protein, low acid and neutral detergent fibers) using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy. Source material traces to two elite experimental lines developed through selection for resistance to Phytophthora root rot and winter survival In a spaced-plant nursery at Evansville, WI. Parental germplasm traces to Premier, Ovation, and WL 322 HO. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: ~1. falcata - 8%; Ladak- 13%; M. y~~ja - 32%; Turkistan - 8%; Flemish - 35%; and Chilean - 4%.
2. Premier Plus is adapted to and intended for use lnthe northeastern, north central, and northwestern U.S. Premier Plus has been yield tested in Iowa, New York, Washington, and Wisconsin.
3. Flower color of Premier Plus at Syn 2 approximates 99% purple and 1% variegated with traces of white and yellow, its fall dormancy Is simi~ar to that of Saranac. Premier Plus appears to have high forage quality (high crude protein, low acid and ~neutral detergent fibers), similar to WL 322 HO.
4. Premier Plus has high resistance to anthracnose (F.ace 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and pea aphic; resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid; moderate resistance to stem nematode, blue alfalfa aphid, and Lepto leaf spot; and low resistance to Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1). Reaction to root knot nematode has not been adequately tested.
5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced in 1990 on 146 plants under cage isolation at Bakersfield, CA and will be maintained by W-L Research. Sufficient Foundation (Syn 2) seed was produced near Warden, WA for the expected life of the variety and will be maintained by W-L Research. One generation of Breeder (Syn 1) and two generations of Foundation (Syn 2 or 3) and Certified (Syn 3 or 4) seed are recognized. The maximum permitted length of stand for Foundation and Certi~ied seed fields are 3 and 5 years, respectively. Foundation seed must be produced above 40 degrees North latitude. Production of Syn 3 Foundation seed requires con~ont of the breeder.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1994.
7. It Is undecided whether application will be made for Dlant Variety Protection.
8. The Information In this
application Is available to the PVP office.